The Nigerian Army has warned its personnel against the use and abuse of social media, stressing that soldiers who violate existing regulations governing online activities will face disciplinary action.
The warning was issued by the Nigerian Army Provost Marshal, Mathias Erebulu, during a training seminar organised for Military Police personnel. The seminar was reportedly aired on the flagship breakfast programme of African Independent Television on Thursday.
Addressing officers at the event, the senior military officer directed commanders across formations to educate troops on the dangers and consequences of social media misuse.
According to him, soldiers are expected to adhere strictly to the military’s regulations on online conduct, warning that violations attract punishment.
“Our soldiers have no business being on social media. When they go
against the First Social Media Act, they are punished,” Erebulu stated.He further urged commanding officers to return to their various units and reinforce awareness among personnel regarding the implications of improper social media engagement.
The Provost Marshal also reminded military personnel of constitutional provisions guiding the detention of civilians by security agencies. He stressed that civilians arrested by soldiers must be transferred to the appropriate law enforcement authorities within 24 hours after preliminary investigations.
“By virtue of the constitution, we are not supposed to have civilians detained in our facility,” he said.“So, they are reminded that once a civilian is arrested, after carrying out due diligence and investigation, within 24 hours, such a civilian must be handed over to the agency responsible.”
The seminar focused on operational discipline and professional conduct among Military Police officers amid growing concerns over social media usage and human rights compliance within security operations.
